Norman A Theriault's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Norman A. Theriault share, that he passed away on April 4, 2015 at the age of 82. Norman “Norm" was born on July 9, 1932 in Rumford, Maine. He was the son of the late Gertrude (Poirier) and Elphege Theriault. He was the fourth born of eight children. He was predeceased by his brothers, Frank and Jeff, and two of his sisters, Freda Bourgea and Bertha Theriault. He was predeceased by many in-laws with whom he had a special bond.
Norman married his high school sweetheart Iris Wentzell, ‘the love of his life.” They enjoyed a full, rich life together for nearly 63 years. Together, they raised five children. Norm and Iris raised their family in Milford, Connecticut and then Sanford, Maine. He was employed by Armstrong Rubber Company in West Haven, Connecticut before he realized his dream of owning his own business. He operated Theriault's Pub and Restaurant for 15 years until his retirement at the age of 60. He and Iris traveled to many places including Aruba, St. Martin and Martinique. He also was so happy to visit Nashville, Tennessee, the home of country music. They enjoyed exploring his beloved home state of Maine, traveling country roads, exploring the lakes and coastline. He also visited the homeland of his parents in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, Canada. He was fortunate to reconnect with his many Canadian cousins. He and Iris were “ snowbirds” splitting their time between Maine and Florida, where they lived close to their two youngest grandchildren.
Norman was an avid sports enthusiast. He was a high school athlete, lettering in football and baseball. In his adult years, he competitively played many sports. He took up golf in retirement and was thrilled to get a "hole-in-one." He was both proud and humble about his many accomplishments in the sports arena, including several medals in the Florida Senior Olympics.
He was a lifelong Red Sox fan who was ecstatic to witness their last three World Series Championships.
He proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War.
The cornerstone of Norm's life and his greatest accomplishment was raising his family. He was a loving husband and a proud Dad. He was a great teacher, listener and coach.
His openhearted nature was valued by his grandchildren and they will carry in their hearts his love and wisdom. He was affectionately known to them as "Pepe" "Tet" and "Poppy" and he had a special relationship with each one of them.
Through his shining example, he taught his children compassion, service to others, and LOVING fully. He quietly guided, counseled and helped, many family members, friends and strangers. He was a great listener and communicator.
Norman was a man of faith and lived a life of love, joy and authenticity. Those that knew him best, enjoyed when he would break out the harmonica, start a sing-a-long or play the "spoons "by the campfire. No one enjoyed music or a party more than Norm.
He enjoyed life to the fullest. Whether he was savoring a bite of lobster, listening to music, watching a sunset, walking in the woods or enjoying an old country road, he would famously say "The good Lord must have loved the people!" Norm's warmth and presence will be dearly missed, but he will live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his soulmate Iris, and his five adoring children, Norm Junior, Terri "Teresa" and her husband Mike Smith, Rick and his wife Donna Romano Theriault, Susan and her husband Bob Pitre, Frank and his wife Jackey Smith Theriault along with his grandchildren Ricky, Casey, Michael, Carli, Colby, Abbie, Nicco, Ella and Frankie. He was a brother to his loving sisters, Theresa Vaillancourt, Pauline Roberge and Rita Morton He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Keith Morton and sisters-in-law; Linda Theriault, Faye Ledbetter and Audrey Wentzell. He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews and he had many dear friends. You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Norm’s life by visiting his guestbook at www.mossfeasterclearwater.com. A private family service was held in Clearwater, Florida. A celebration of Norm's life is being planned for the summer. Those wishing to make donations in his memory , may do so at "Friendship House" for Men in Recovery. (A safe home for the poor and disadvantaged where hope and healing are extended to those who are broken spiritually, emotionally or physically) www.friendshiphouses.org
"Friendship House"
390 Lincoln St.
Portland, Maine 04106
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